Herrick shines in goal as Sounders U23 win first-ever PDL match

Vancouver, BC Canada. – The Sounders U-23 started their 2012 campaign off in style with a 2-1 victory over Cascadia rivals, Vancouver Whitecaps U-23. The Sounders U-23 traveled north on Friday afternoon and were able to get the win Friday night at Swangard Stadium in Vancouver, BC.

The Sounders U-23 scored the first goal in the 24th minute. Sounders FC Academy product, Darwin Jones scored off a Troy Peterson assist.

In the 23rd minute, Deandre Yedlin made a scintillating run up the right wing from his defense position and sent Jones through forcing a challenge and a save from Callum Irving before Boxall cleared the ball. One minute later the breakthrough came when Troy Peterson’s chip over the defence found Jones on the breakaway, as he calmly sidestepped a rushing Irving and slotted home for the 1-0 lead on 24 minutes.

Darwin Jones (left) made history as the first goalscorer for the Sounders U23. (Christopher Vose)

The Sounders followed it up with a 51st minute goal from UCLA midfielder, Fernando Monge. The goal came off a pass from Luis Esteves and proved to be the game winner since Vancouver responded just two minutes later.

The Whitecaps looked to ignite their comeback at the opening of the second half when Teibert was again given space to run at the goal for a shot that went over the bar. However, it was the visitors who bounced back right away in the 51st with a deflected goal from Fernando Monge inside the box after Luis Esteves provided a dangerous ball into the box from the left wing.

Just when the ‘Caps looked to be on their heels, Clarke was able to bring the game back within one goal as his strong stature over the ball gave him enough space for a beautifully curled left-footed shot off the post and into the far left of the goal in the 53rd minute. With the momentum in their favour, the Blue and White created another great opportunity when Dosanjh deflected Fisk’s shot at goal, but Herrick was quick to react and saved the possible equalizer.

Sounders U-23 goalkeeper, Doug Herrick made some brilliant saves to close out the match and Seattle was able to hold on to the three points.

The Sounders are in Victoria tonight to face the Highlanders in a second PDL Northwest Division match over two days.

Report from Sounders U23 and Whitecaps U23 media sources.

The Sounders had a few supporters in the stands in Vancouver. (Christopher Vose)